Magnetism influences atomic movements: revolution in nanotechnology!

Magnetism influences atomic movements: revolution in nanotechnology!

A new breakthrough in nanophysics shows that magnetism can control the movement of individual atoms on surfaces. Scientists at Kiel University (CAU) and the University of Hamburg have discovered that atoms are not moved randomly, but along magnetic rows, which could have significant implications for materials science and nanotechnology. These results were published in the journal “Nature Communications”.

In their experiments, the researchers used a scanning tunneling microscope to examine the movement of atoms such as cobalt, rhodium and iridium on a single layer of manganese that was evaporated onto a rhenium surface. The surface was magnetically ordered and had known magnetic properties. The experiments were carried out at extremely low temperatures close to absolute zero, which provided the prerequisites for precise measurements.

Mechanisms of atomic motion

The research group found that atoms exposed to a pulse of current moved in a specific direction, which was influenced by the magnetic properties of the surface. This was true even for non-magnetic atoms, indicating that the interaction between the atoms and the magnetic surface is crucial to the direction of motion. Quantum mechanical calculations carried out on supercomputers confirmed that it is energetically easier to move along the magnetic rows.

These results open up new possibilities for the targeted control of atomic movements. In nanotechnology, this could lead to advances in the development of semiconductors, catalysts and tailored nanostructures that can perform specific functions.

Insights into nanophysics

The Free University of Berlin is known for its many years of expertise in nanophysics and surface physics. Her research areas range from the study of molecules as switches and nanomotors to low-dimensional materials. The scientific work focuses on understanding and harnessing the quantum mechanical effects in atomic systems. This includes, among other things, research into magnetic surfaces and the development of functionalized nanomaterials with atomic precision.

The latest technologies in this field, such as scanning tunneling and atomic force microscopy, enable researchers to precisely manipulate atomic structures and study quantum physics phenomena in depth. The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) conducts theoretical and experimental research to produce new nanosystems and understand their properties to improve electronic components.

A variety of courses and seminars in the field of nanophysics offer students and researchers the opportunity to deal with current topics and methods. This also includes special lectures on advanced techniques such as electron microscopy, X-ray physics and quantum technologies.

The discovery that magnetism can influence atomic mobility could pave the way for innovative developments in materials science and beyond. The dynamic interactions between atoms and magnetic surfaces could enable new applications in data storage, nanotechnology and materials development.

Overall, the research shows that the direction and speed of atomic movement can be controlled much more precisely in the future, which could have far-reaching benefits for science and industry.